Artwork

The Virgin in a Robe Embroidered with Ears of Corn

The Virgin in a Robe Embroidered with Ears  of Corn, by German 15th Century, ink, 1475
The Virgin in a Robe Embroidered with Ears  of Corn, by German 15th Century, ink, 1475

The Virgin in a Robe Embroidered with Ears of Corn is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1475 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Virgin in a Robe Embroidered with Ears of Corn is a hand-colored woodcut print depicting a woman, identifiable as the Virgin, standing in an arched doorway with a balcony, observed by a small figure in the background. Her robe features intricately detailed embroidery resembling rows of ears of corn.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is the Virgin, symbolically adorned with a robe embroidered with ears of corn, a common artistic symbol of the era, likely conveying themes of fertility, abundance, or spiritual nourishment. The small figure watching from behind may imply a narrative or thematic element, though its specific meaning is not immediately clear.

Technique & Style

The work is crafted using woodcut, a technique involving carving a design into wood to print. The print has been meticulously hand-colored with a range of hues (gray, rose, yellow, red, blue, green, gold, and orange), with noticeable fading except in certain vibrant spots.

History & Provenance

No specific historical or provenance details are provided for this piece, including its date, artist, or ownership history.

Context

Created in a period where symbolic imagery was prevalent, the use of ears of corn as embroidery on the Virgin’s robe aligns with contemporary artistic practices of embedding symbolic meanings into religious subjects.

Legacy

The piece's impact or influence on subsequent art or its recognition within art historical canon is not specified, highlighting a lack of detailed information on its broader artistic legacy.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 15th Century

Artist

German 15th Century

This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.